I have thoughts and questions about the terrorism in Paris, France. What were the perpetrators’ goals? Were they thinking that they were making a major statement for the Muslim cause? Were they angered by the drawings of four political cartoonists?

I think it was a goal of fundamentalism to have it spread on the media.

They thrive on the media to put themselves in the forefront of all news stories. In my mind, all they want is news coverage.

I believe that the government that is closest to the people governs the best, and that is why I made a pledge when I ran for office, that when elected, I would always be open and honest with all residents of Roane County.

This brings me to the vote mentioned in the Roane County News about the Dollar General in East Roane County.

On Thursday, before the county commissioners meeting, I received a call from Kay Christopher in the codes and zoning office stating that the vote would be postponed until the next month.

I read with interest the letter from Roane County Executive Ron Woody.

It was a great letter; I enjoyed it.

If Mr. Woody is sincere about his willingness to change and adapt to the needs of all of Roane County, here is a challenge for him and the officials with all of the rest of the governing bodies (plural) of Roane County.

He quoted Charles Darwin, and I agree with the statement that “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

We have been residents of Roane County for 15 years, and throughout this period our Internet service has been sorely lacking.

Our development, Crystal Cove, at least has access to DSL; but, since we are on the outer edge of the service area, it is only slightly better than dial-up. That’s what a substantial number of our neighbors are still suffering with.

Roane County officials have for years touted our area as a wonderful place to retire. We heartily agree.

Just a few days after a sweeping victory by the Republican Party in the House and Senate, President Obama, with the stroke of a pen, neutered Congress again. There was nothing hidden in his agenda. In one simple executive order he granted a form of amnesty to his new “priority minority,” while at the same time abruptly ending any celebration by the GOP.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann’s victories were silenced.